DREAM.17, world bantamweight grand prix likely for September

http://mmajunkie.comWith its second show of 2011 now in the books, the Japanese-based DREAM promotion is expected to host its third event in September, officials recently announced.

It’s expected to feature the start of an eight-man world bantamweight grand prix.

Officials have not revealed a date and venue for the event.

DREAM, of course, recently concluded its eight-man Japan bantamweight grand prix, which included many of the top 135-pounders from the country. Grand-prix winner Hideo Tokoro, runner-up Masakazu Imanari, and third-place finisher Kenji Osawa are expected to earn entries into the world grand prix.

The world grand-prix winner is expected to be crowned DREAM’s first bantamweight champion. The tournament could wrap by year’s end.

News of the upcoming DREAM.17 event is a good sign for an organization that’s been on life support. Already facing mounting debt and with the loss of sponsorship and TV partners, the three-and-a-half-year-old organization faced additional troubles by the earthquakes and tsunami that devastated Japan earlier this year. (In fact, its chief rival, World Victory Road’s Sengoku event series, hasn’t hosted a show since December.)

In addition to the September event, officials also expect to host a “DREAM Dynamite!! 2011” event in late December. A fall show also could be added to the schedule.

For more on DREAM.17 and other upcoming shows, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.